Leading Scottish figures have been paying tribute to Princess Margaret following the announcement of her death at the age of 71.

The princess, who was born at Glamis Castle in 1930, died at 0630 GMT in the King Edward VII Hospital in London.

Scottish Secretary, Helen Liddell, expressed sadness at the death of the princess and conveyed her sympathies to the Royal Family.

Helen Liddell conveyed her sympathies

She said: "I deeply regret the death of Princess Margaret and send my condolences to Her Majesty the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret's two children."

"This is very sad news, coming as it does so soon after the 50th anniversary of her own father's death."

Scotland's First Minister, Jack McConnell, said: "All of Scotland will be saddened by the death of her Royal Highness Princess Margaret.

"She served her country well over many years. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Queen and Princess Margaret's family at this sad time. "

Scottish National Party Leader, John Swinney, said: "On behalf of the Scottish National Party I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Queen and her family.

"Princess Margaret took a keen interest in Scotland and will be missed by many in our country."

'Unseasonable sadness'

Scottish Tory Leader, David McLetchie, said: "This has a particular poignancy, occurring as it does in a week when we marked the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne."

Jim Wallace, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: "Although in recent years she has not been in the front line of royal duties, we should remember that Princess Margaret devoted her life to public duty.

"For these decades of service, we should remember her with gratitude."

The flag flies at half mast at Holyroodhouse

The Rt Rev John Miller, Moderator of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly, said he was "deeply saddened by the news of the princess' death" and said the Royal family were "in his thoughts and prayers".

Mario Conti, Archbishop-elect of Glasgow, offered the Catholic Church's condolences to the Royal Family.

He said: "Our thoughts go out to Her Majesty the Queen, for whom the loss of her sister casts an unseasonable sadness on her jubilee."

The Scottish Premier League, Scottish Football League and Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) said they would leave the decision on a minute's silence at Saturday's fixtures to the discretion of clubs.

SRU spokesman, Graham Law, said: "The SRU extends sympathies to the Royal
Family."

Scottish Borders Council announced that books of condolence would be opened on Monday - a gesture expected to be repeated across the country.

The princess had official links to Scotland as patron of the Princess Margaret Rose Hospital in Edinburgh and Scottish Ballet and as president of Children 1st.